threats Against Tijuana Newspaper ZETA Prompt Urgent Investigation
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A chilling incident in Tijuana, Mexico, has prompted an urgent call for investigation into threats against the weekly newspaper ZETA. On December 29, 2024, an ominous blanket bearing a threatening message was discovered on Cuauhtémoc Street in the Libertad neighborhood. The message,targeting ZETA‘s directors,Adela Navarro bello and César René Blanco Villalón,referenced betrayals and a previously unknown criminal group calling themselves “the arrows.”
The Office for Mexico and central America of Article 19,an international non-governmental association,issued an urgent appeal on December 30,2024,to both the Baja California State Attorney General’s Office (FGEBC) and the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic (FGR),demanding a thorough and timely investigation into the threats.
The cryptic message, partially reproduced below, hinted at connections to other criminal organizations:
“This goes for all the treacherous and newspaper CDS scourges, the arrows have nothing to do with the brothers or truce or anything, this war is between bastards, not against women and children like they did in SD and in TJ. They have not been able (sic) nor will they be able to [dos flechas entrecruzadas] 19 100% ARROWS the merchants who have killed are for the collection of their floor [Cártel de sinaloa] CDS. They want to heat up the ZETA newspaper arrows, where was your reputation, now your notes are baseless Tijuana for Tijuana residents. Atte: The FEA [Fuerzas Armadas Apache]”
Some researchers, cited by ZETA, suggest the “arrows” may be linked to Brayan Corona, alias “El Apache.” The message’s ambiguity adds to the urgency of the situation, highlighting the risks faced by journalists who investigate organized crime in Mexico.
The incident comes just days after ZETA published its December 27th edition, featuring a cover story titled “He paid 300 thousand dollars to flee,” which detailed the escape of Pablo Edwin Huerta, ”El Flaquito,” a suspected member of the Arellano Félix Cartel (CAF). The article also reported on a possible meeting between “El Flaquito” and a member of the Zambada brothers’ cell, part of the sinaloa Cartel, at a casino owned by Jorge hank Rhon. These revelations underscore the potential link between the threats and the newspaper’s investigative journalism.
The threats against ZETA serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Mexico and the vital importance of protecting press freedom. The international community’s response will be crucial in ensuring accountability and safeguarding the safety of journalists who bravely report on sensitive issues.
Mexican Newspaper Faces Renewed Threats Amidst Rising Violence
The self-reliant Tijuana-based weekly newspaper, Zeta, is facing renewed threats, prompting international concern for the safety of its journalists and underscoring the perilous environment for the press in Mexico. The escalating violence, linked to warring criminal factions, has put the newspaper’s staff at meaningful risk.
According to Article 19, an international organization that defends freedom of expression, the situation has worsened in the latter half of 2024. “The deaths or armed attacks have stood out against some merchants,money-changers,and also men and women in the La Mesa delegation,and the Libertad,Postal,Independencia,Gabilondo,Chapultepec and Playas neighborhoods in Tijuana,who have turned out to be members of both criminal cells of different levels.” The organization notes a concerning lack of official response to the threats against Zeta‘s staff.
“according to a testimony from the weekly newspaper, and facts collected by this organization, no authority at the moment has contacted the staff of the media outlet to establish routes that guarantee their protection and integrity,” Article 19 stated in a recent press release.
Article 19 highlighted the long history of attacks against Zeta, dating back to its founding. “Since 2020, this organization has documented at least 19 attacks against the media, highlighting the continuity of the violence faced not only by Zeta, but also by the general environment that the media in Baja California is experiencing,” the organization emphasized. This underscores the systemic nature of the problem, impacting not just one publication but the entire journalistic community in the region.
The organization referenced the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR),which has warned about the alarming impact of powerful organized crime groups on press freedom. The IACHR has noted that these groups “not only intimidate the population but also have the capacity to frighten and infiltrate the authorities themselves,” creating a climate of fear and impunity.
Article 19 is demanding urgent action from Mexican authorities. “In these situations, it is indeed necessary that authorities at all levels take urgent actions to investigate the facts, prevent further attacks against the press, and end impunity in cases of threats and attacks against journalists and media outlets,” the organization demanded. Specific calls to action include coordinating investigations and ensuring the safety of Zeta‘s staff.
“To the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic coordinate efforts with the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Baja California, urgently initiate investigations in accordance with the Approved Protocol for Crimes Against Freedom of Expression and thus clarify the facts,” Article 19 urged. The organization also called on the Baja California state government to directly engage with Zeta to implement protective measures.
“To the government of the state of Baja California, maintain communication with the representatives of the weekly Zeta to coordinate and apply the necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the weekly staff immediately,” concluded Article 19, whose regional director for Mexico and Central America is Leopoldo Maldonado Gutiérrez.
A Legacy of Defiance: Zeta‘s history
Founded in 1980 by journalists J. Jesús Blancornelas and Héctor “El Gato” Félix Miranda, Zeta has a long and storied history of investigative journalism, often tackling powerful figures and institutions. This history includes numerous attacks, highlighting the risks associated with their fearless reporting. In 1985, an entire edition was suppressed by the then-governor for its reporting on his brother’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking. In 1987, the newspaper’s offices were attacked, and in 1988, co-director Héctor Félix Miranda was murdered.While those responsible for the killing were imprisoned, the intellectual author remains at large.
The ongoing threats against Zeta serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists worldwide who strive to hold power accountable. The situation demands immediate attention from both Mexican authorities and the international community to ensure the safety of journalists and protect the vital role of a free press.
Mexican Journalists Pay Ultimate Price in Drug War
the fight against drug cartels in Mexico has exacted a devastating toll, not only on law enforcement and civilians, but also on the journalists who bravely report on the violence. Two notably harrowing cases highlight the extreme dangers faced by those who dare to expose the truth about organized crime.
In 1997, a brutal attack targeting J. jesús Blancornelas, co-director of a prominent investigative news organization, sent shockwaves through the journalistic community. The attack, orchestrated by drug traffickers, resulted in the tragic death of his bodyguard and left Blancornelas seriously injured. This act of violence underscored the escalating threat faced by those investigating the powerful drug cartels.
Years later,on June 22,2004,the violence claimed another victim. Francisco Javier Ortiz Franco, the General Information editor for the investigative news outlet ZETA, was murdered on the orders of drug trafficking organizations. His death served as a chilling reminder of the pervasive threat to press freedom in Mexico.
These are not isolated incidents. the ongoing violence against journalists in Mexico mirrors similar challenges faced by reporters in other parts of the world who cover sensitive topics like organized crime and corruption. The lack of protection and the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators create a climate of fear that stifles investigative journalism and undermines democratic processes.
The deaths of Blancornelas’ bodyguard and Ortiz Franco represent a profound loss for journalism and a stark warning about the risks involved in holding power accountable. Their legacies serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. The fight for press freedom in Mexico, and globally, continues.
This is a very detailed and well-structured news article about threats against the Mexican newspaper Zeta.
Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and some suggestions:
Strengths:
Strong opening: The first paragraph immediately grabs the reader’s attention by highlighting the seriousness of the threats and the context of criminal activity.
Clear timeline: The article provides a chronological account of events, making it easy for the reader to follow the story.
Relevant context:
It effectively connects the threats to Zeta’s investigative journalism and the publication’s history of facing similar dangers.
Use of sources: The article cites reputable sources like Article 19, adding credibility to the reporting.
Calls to action: The piece ends wiht specific demands for action from mexican authorities, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Suggestions:
Define “Arrows”:
While you hint at the identity of the “Arrows” group, a clearer clarification of who they are and their relationship to other cartels would be helpful for the reader.
Elaborate on past attacks:
You mention Zeta’s history of attacks, but providing more specific examples would give a stronger sense of the ongoing danger they face.
Visuals: The inclusion of an image is good. Consider adding more visuals, such as photos of Zeta’s staff or past attacks, to make the story more impactful.
Overall:
This is a well-written and informative news article that sheds light on a serious and important issue. By providing context, citing sources, and calling for action, it effectively conveys the gravity of the threats against Zeta and the importance of press freedom in Mexico.
